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wildlife managerYou would protect Scotland’s countryside and help people who take part in recreational shooting, deer stalking and angling.
You would manage and care for wild and reared gamebirds - like partridge, grouse and pheasant - and deer. You would protect them from pests, preserve their habitats and control their populations so they thrive. When you work at a shoot you would learn how to handle shotguns safely. You would also handle the carcasses and maintain the necessary machines and equipment. environmental Education officerYou would be involved in making people aware of environmental issues, promoting conservation and sustainability, and enhancing the public's enjoyment of the environment through teaching and interpreting the natural world.
The range of activities you will carry out varies from job to job. Some officers work mainly within schools, giving talks and taking part in and developing projects. You can also deliver presentations or host groups at relevant sites, such as nature reserves. Others work with a range of age groups, for example leading guided nature walks for visitors or organising events and awareness campaigns. You would:
At a more senior level, you might be involved in advising on and drafting environmental education policies and strategies for your organisation or the wider community. animal care workerYou would look after animals living in kennels, catteries or rescue centres and keep them healthy and happy.
You could care for dogs and cats, or other animals such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. You might care for donkeys, horses or even parrots. You would:
If you work in an animal sanctuary or rescue centre some animals may be injured or distressed when they arrive so you would have to try to keep them calm. You would need to be gentle and confident when you handle them during their treatment. In some jobs you might also keep records, take bookings and advise owners on how to look after their animals. You could also get a job as:
You might specialise in animal massage or hydrotherapy, working with animals recovering from injury or undergoing treatment for mobility problems. environmental consultantYou would give advice to businesses and organisations about environmental issues.
You would assess the environmental impact of new developments or industries. You would help businesses to be greener. You might advise on any issue including:
You would need to keep up to date with environmental legislation. Depending on the project, you could:
You would:
You would need to have a good understanding of business practices so you can work with organisations in a competitive commercial world. |
conservationistAs a nature conservation officer you will work to protect, manage and enhance the local environment. This can include grassland, woodland, forests, coastal areas, moorland, mountains and rivers. Depending on the region, you might also work in marine habitats.
Part of the role is to encourage people to use the countryside and promote awareness of, and understanding the natural environment. You will develop policy which may have local and national impact. Job titles within this sector are varied and include:
Responsibilities of a nature conservation officer you'll need to:
Park RangerYou would try to make it easy for people to enjoy spending time in the countryside. You would improve access to interesting and beautiful places they would enjoy visiting.
You would explain scientific knowledge and facts in a way that’s easy to understand so they can learn more about nature and wildlife. Your work would help to protect Scotland’s natural heritage - including woodlands, moors, rivers, hills, lochs and coastlines - for future generations. You would advise people who live and work in the countryside about how to manage, protect and improve the rural environment. For example, you would persuade landowners to manage their land in ways that would conserve or increase the number of plants and animals living there. You would also advise about opening land to the public so everyone can enjoy the countryside. You would:
You would also keep detailed records, prepare applications for funding, and possibly assess funding applications from other organisations. |
Farm workerYou would do practical and manual work on a farm. You could look after animals like cows, chickens or pigs or grow and harvest crops.
You would operate farm machinery and do general repairs. You could work on any of the three main types of farm:
Your work would vary depending on the type of farm and the time of year. If you work with livestock you would
On an arable farm you would:
There are lots of other general tasks you would do regardless of what type of farm you work on. You would:
Your work would be supervised by the farm owner, manager, supervisor or landowner. You might also supervise casual staff and agricultural contractors. You would need to develop technical knowledge for using the machinery and have an awareness of health and safety. |
fishery officerYou would breed and rear fish and shellfish, monitor their water conditions and harvest the stock for sale at market.
You could grow fish such as salmon, trout and halibut for the food industry. Some fish farmers rear other types of fish to stock lakes and rivers for angling or for ornamental ponds. You would:
Fish farms are generally located in lochs and in the sea off the coast so you would need to be able to swim. Many fish farms only have a few staff so managers often do many of the above tasks, as well as supervising fish farm workers. Some fish farms also provide facilities for anglers. |
forestry officerYou would look after an area of forest to produce timber and conserve the woodland environment.
You would plan the planting and harvesting activities in the forest. You would lead a team of forestry workers and supervise their work. It will be your responsibility to make sure that the trees in the forest are healthy and free from disease so the timber can be harvested. Your work would help to conserve the woodland environment so that other plants and wildlife can flourish. You would also manage the facilities, like paths and signposts to help visitors enjoy the environment. You would:
You would follow the business plan for your area of woodland and manage the budget so you would need project management skills. Depending where you work you may manage an individual site and report to a head forester who oversees work in several woodlands. You might also require land management skills. gardenerYou would look after a garden or other green spaces like public parks, school and sports grounds so people can enjoy them all year round.
You would grow and care for all types of plants like flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns. You would:
You could also design planting schemes for gardens. You would use your knowledge of plants and creativity to select plants and position them so there’s something to see in the garden all year round. You may also carry out basic building tasks, such as putting up sheds and building walls, fences and patios. There are many different types of gardens you could work in, such as:
If you work in a garden that is open to the public you might also answer questions from visitors or lead garden walks. agricultural engineerYou would assess the techniques used by farmers and landowners and explain how they can improve their land.
You would plan and supervise construction projects to tackle environmental problems. You would work with specialist machinery used in farming, forestry and horticulture. For example, you might design the all-terrain vehicles which can move over uneven ground in different weather conditions. You would also help farmers, landowners and government departments understand issues such as crop diversity, sustainable land use and adapting to climate change. You would:
Depending on the size of the company you work for, you might also manage and coordinate sales, or do marketing and technical support. It would be important to be willing to work flexibly. You would need to keep up to date with new developments in technology and production methods. countryside rangerYou would do practical work to look after the countryside and conserve wildlife and habitats.
You would repair paths, fences and signs to assist people who visit the countryside. When you speak with the public and answer questions about the wildlife and landscapes you’d be able to convey your enthusiaism about the natural environment. You would:
As you would be using tools ands and equipment you would need an awareness of health and safety issues. You could specialise in habitat management, fieldwork or education, or focus on managing certain types of habitat such as waterways, coasts or moorlands. tree surgeonYou would keep trees healthy by carrying out work including planting, care and hazard checks.
You would:
You will usually work from a rope and harness. You might also use elevated work platforms known as ‘cherry-pickers’. veterinary nurseYou would give nursing care to sick and injured animals.
Your work would support a veterinary surgeon (vet). You would also play an important role in educating owners on good standards of animal care and welfare. Many of the owners you talk to may be upset or anxious about their pets, so it would be important to have a kind and reassuring manner. You would also have to be very gentle with the animals you work with, as many of them will be fragile. Tasks would vary with each animal, but in general you would:
You might also have administration and reception duties. |
gamekeeperYou would take care of the land used for shooting and fishing. You would organise recreational shooting, deer stalking and angling for clients.
You would make sure there is enough game such as deer, and birds like pheasant, partridge and grouse for clients to shoot. You would also make sure that rivers are well-stocked with fish for angling. The tasks would vary according to the season, but you would:
You may also be responsible for developing plans for managing the game and habitat on a country estate. Depending on the size of the estate, you may also need to complete related paperwork and administration tasks. If you work as a keeper to protect and manage rivers and streams as habitats for trout and salmon you would be known as a river keeper or ghillie. You will need to be happy working on your own for long periods of time, and in remote areas, outdoors in all weather. Working with firearms can be dangerous; you will require a good knowledge of health and safety and a mature attitude. landscaperYou would construct, plant and look after gardens and parks to make pleasant environments for people to live, work and relax in.
You would make the most of the land or space you are working with to make it look attractive. Some landscapers specialise in interior projects with plants and garden features, often in shopping centres or large office blocks. The work would vary depending on whether you are working inside or outside, the time of year and the condition of the space you are given. You would need to use a variety of tools, and possibly also machines like small mechanical diggers. You would follow the designs drawn up by garden designers or landscape architects. You would use your knowledge of plants to ensure that they grow and thrive. You would:
After completing a project, you would advise the client on how to look after the space. You would offer an on-going maintenance service. farm managerYou would run a farm as a business, so you would plan which crops or livestock would be the most profitable. You would manage the farm workers, control the budget, and buy and sell the farm produce.
You could work on one of three main types of farm:
You could manage your own farm or be employed by owners or tenants of a farm to run it efficiently and profitably. You might run a whole farm or just part of it, such as a dairy unit. You would need excellent business skills, a good head for figures and the ability to get the most out of your team. Depending on the type of farm you worked on you would:
On smaller farms, you may do practical farm work, such as looking after livestock, driving tractors and other machinery, and harvesting crops. You would also be expected to find and develop new activities to keep the farm profitable. So you could also have responsibility for other activities where the business has diversified. For example there may be a farm shop, horse riding facilities or accommodation for tourists. dog groomYou would help dog owners keep their dog’s coat healthy and looking good. You would advise them about coat care, grooming and diet.
You would need to be confident with dogs and be able to handle the animals firmly but gently. You would have to be patient with them so you can calm and control nervous dogs. With each owner, you would discuss the grooming they would like, whether the dog is used to being groomed and the best way to handle the animal. It would be important to start by checking for any sore areas or lumps on the dog's skin, and for fleas or parasites. You would then
Sometimes you would also clip the dog's claws and clean its teeth and ears. You would often follow standards for how different breeds should look – for example, poodles are usually clipped to a particular shape. This is particularly important when dogs are being prepared for a show. veterinaryYou would diagnose and treat sick animals. You would probably work in general practice, with pets, farm and zoo animals. You may work with all of these types of animals, or specialise in just one.
Many of the owners you talk to may be upset or anxious about their pets, so it would be important to have a kind and reassuring manner. You would also have to be very gentle with the animals you work with, as many of them will be fragile. As a vet in general practice you would:
You might also be involved in inspecting hygiene and care standards in zoos, kennels, catteries, riding stables, pet shops and cattle markets. You could also work in the public sector. You would then help prevent and control animal and human diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, and assess the safety of food processing plants and abattoirs. Another option would be working in industry, supervising the production of drugs, chemicals and biological products. waste management officerYou would organise and manage waste disposal, collection and recycling facilities. You may be responsible for waste treatment and street cleaning operations. Some posts combine waste management and recycling functions, while others split them into separate jobs.
It is the responsibility of the waste management industry to dispose of waste safely, with due consideration for the environment and while conforming to government regulations. As a waste management officer, you will need to:
woodland officerYou would have the responsibility of managing designated forest/woodland areas and will oversee activities such as timber production, conservation and recreation.
You will also manage other associated matters, such as commercial interests, biodiversity and public access. Establishing a balance between competing economic and social demands for forest and land use can present a challenge. This may mean you become involved in the creation of multipurpose forests, sustainable forest management and the regeneration of native woodlands. As a forest/woodland manager, you will need to:
You may also carry out the following tasks, in relation to forest protection:
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